Lynchburg Reporter

During National Police Week, Congressman Bob Good (VA-05) re-introduced legislation aimed at supporting state and local law enforcement agencies. The Protect Our Police Act seeks to codify a policy from the Trump era and would prevent the Biden Administration from issuing any restrictions on the 1033 Program. This program enables police departments to access military surplus equipment.

"State and local law enforcement should have access to life-saving military equipment, particularly tools that can be used in response to terrorist attacks, search-and-rescue operations, and natural disasters," said Good. "My legislation will ensure that the brave men and women selflessly serving in law enforcement have the ability to purchase equipment that helps keep our communities safe."

John H. Ohmberger, President of the Fraternal Order of Police of Virginia, expressed support for Congressman Good's Protect our Police Act. He stated that this bill is beneficial for all law enforcement agencies in Virginia, particularly those who cannot afford life-saving equipment. According to Ohmberger, this act would enable these agencies to acquire such equipment from government surplus, reducing costs for municipalities struggling with funding.

The proposed legislation also aims to codify President Trump's Executive Order 13809, which lifted Obama-Biden restrictions on full access to the 1033 program. This move is expected to reduce the burden on American taxpayers while making the transfer of military surplus equipment to civilian law enforcement an effective crime-reduction tool.

Co-sponsors of this legislation include Rep. Andy Harris (MD-01) and Rep. Barry Moore (AL-02). Supporting groups comprise the Virginia Fraternal Order of Police, Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police and Foundation Inc., Virginia Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators, and The Police Officers’ Defense Coalition Inc.

A 2017 study concluded that a "10 percent increase in the total value of military aid leads to a decrease of 5.9 crimes per 100,000 population." The study also found that the transfer of an estimated $5,800 worth of military gear to local law enforcement could result in societal savings of $112,000. This further reduces the burden on American taxpayers and bolsters the effectiveness of transferring military surplus equipment to civilian law enforcement in reducing crime.